What Robert Bly Said

In a crowded Harvard dorm, Robert Bly took question after question.   Still in my 20’s, I was one of the oldest in attendance. 

The feeling was electric.  It seemed the man, myth, and legend flowed into the room, smiling with purpose.  Though questions came spontaneously, the whole night seemed pre ordained.  Looking back, I suppose it was.  Bly knew what he wanted to say regardless of the questions.

Such is a masterful artist.   They have developed to a point that they know who they are regardless of the circumstances.  Regardless of change they are staying their course.

Writers are particularly long in their process to get such a rudder, at least authentically.  Too often, the noise of others drowns out their art, makes them question, makes them stop.  

It seemed Bly had that trajectory in mind when he advised the precociously developing young adults.  Take the long road, develop discipline (that last post of mine was part of his advice).

Bly also said don’t talk to anyone about your writing until you are at least 40.  Following Jung’s advice, the soul isn’t ready for the noise until then.  Don’t publish.  Don’t post.  Just keep the art to yourself.

Hard, eh?  As I post this on the blog and internet, hoping you- aspiring writers of art, will listen.